iTunes is a popular media player and library app for Mac users. Unfortunately, it does not support playing WMA files, which can be frustrating if you have a collection of WMA music files that you want to play on iTunes. However, there are several ways to play WMA on iTunes, and in this blog post, we will explore each method to help you enjoy your music on iTunes.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Play WMA on iTunes
WMA (Windows Media Audio) is a proprietary audio format developed by Microsoft. It is not a compatible format with iTunes, which is why many users face difficulties when playing WMA files on iTunes. This issue can be frustrating, especially if you have a large collection of WMA files that you want to play on iTunes, or if you want to use iTunes to manage all your music files in one place.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods to play WMA on iTunes, here are some things you should prepare for:
1. Internet Connection: Some methods require an active internet connection to download additional software or convert files.
2. Compatible File Converters: You may need to download a compatible file converter for iTunes to play your WMA files, depending on the method you choose.
3. Storage Space: Converting your WMA files to a compatible format for iTunes can take up space on your device.
Method 1: Via QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a multimedia player that comes pre-installed on your Mac. It is capable of playing various audio and video formats, including WMA. Here’s how to play your WMA files on iTunes via QuickTime Player:
1. Launch QuickTime Player on your Mac.
2. Click "File" in the menu bar.
3. Select "Open File" and browse for the WMA file you want to play on iTunes.
4. Wait for QuickTime to load and play the WMA file.
5. When the WMA is playing, click "File" > "Export As" > "Audio Only".
6. Select "MP3" and choose a location to save the converted file.
7. Once the conversion is complete, drag and drop the newly converted MP3 file into iTunes.
Pros:
– Quick and easy method to play WMA files on iTunes.
– No additional software installation required.
Cons:
– File conversion can take up storage space on your device.
– May not be the best quality conversion.
Method 2: Using Windows Media Components for QuickTime
Windows Media Components for QuickTime is a free software plugin that allows QuickTime Player to play WMA files. Here’s how to use it to play WMA on iTunes:
1. Download and install Windows Media Components for QuickTime from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Launch QuickTime Player.
3. Click "File" in the menu bar.
4. Select "Open File" and browse for the WMA file you want to play on iTunes.
5. Wait for QuickTime to load and play the WMA file.
6. Once the WMA file is playing, drag and drop it into iTunes.
Pros:
– No need to convert WMA files to a compatible format.
– Free software plugin available for download.
Cons:
– Additional software installation required.
– May not be the best quality playback.
Method 3: Converting WMA to AAC via iTunes
iTunes is capable of converting some audio formats, including WMA, to the AAC format. Here’s how to convert your WMA files to a compatible format for iTunes:
1. Launch iTunes on your Mac.
2. Click "iTunes" > "Preferences" > "General" > "Import Settings".
3. In "Import Settings", select "AAC" from the dropdown menu.
4. Click "OK" to save the settings.
5. Click "File" > "Add to Library" and browse for the WMA file you want to convert.
6. Select the WMA file and click "Open".
7. Once the file appears in your iTunes library, right-click on it and select "Create AAC Version".
8. Wait for iTunes to create a new AAC version of your WMA file.
9. Once the conversion is complete, drag and drop the newly converted file into iTunes.
Pros:
– No need to download additional software.
– iTunes can convert the file to a compatible format automatically.
Cons:
– Time-consuming process.
– File conversion can take up storage space on your device.
Method 4: Converting WMA to MP3 via Online Converter
If you don’t want to download any additional software or mess around with settings in iTunes, converting your WMA files to a compatible format via an online converter is another option. Here’s how:
1. Visit an online converter website such as CloudConvert or Online Convert.
2. Upload your WMA file to the converter.
3. Select "MP3" as the output format.
4. Choose a location to save the converted file.
5. Wait for the conversion to complete.
6. Import the converted MP3 file into iTunes.
Pros:
– No need to install software or deal with iTunes settings.
– Can convert large files easily.
Cons:
– Requires an active internet connection.
– Some online converters may have file size limits.
FAQs about How to Play WMA on iTunes
Q1: Why Can’t I Play WMA on iTunes?
A: iTunes does not support WMA files due to format compatibility. Additionally, iTunes only supports formats like MP3, AIFF, AAC and WAV.
Q2: Can I Convert WMA to M4A for iTunes?
A: Yes, you can convert WMA to M4A with iTunes. Follow Method 3 in this blog post to convert your WMA files to a compatible iTunes format.
Q3: Are There Any Free WMA Converters for Mac?
A: Yes, there are several free WMA converters for Mac, such as All2MP3 and Switch Audio Converter. However, some converters may have file size limits or limited features compared to their paid counterparts.
Q4: How Do I Check If My WMA Files Are Compatible with iTunes?
A: You can check if your WMA files are compatible with iTunes by checking its format. If the file extension is .wma, it is not compatible with iTunes.
Q5: Can I Play WMA Files on iPhone or iPad?
A: No, you cannot play WMA files on iPhone or iPad as they are not compatible with Apple’s built-in media player, QuickTime.
Additional Tips
1. Consider converting your WMA files to a compatible format when adding new music files to your library.
2. Remember to backup your music files before converting or editing them.
3. Keep your iTunes updated to avoid compatibility issues.
In Conclusion
Playing WMA files on iTunes may seem challenging, but with these methods and tips, you can easily enjoy your music collection without any issues. Whether you choose to convert your files to a compatible format or use a plugin, there are options available to play WMA music on iTunes. Try out each method to find the one that works best for your needs!